PCSing to Ft. Irwin

[jdnoyes]

Register it there now or at Irwin when you get there. Either way they are going to end up in the same database. Just like your vehicles are registered on post they will be able to pull up your information and change what they need to so it reflect you being at Irwin.

I'm currently deployed but when I return to Carson I'm going to call PMO. While I understand how the database is supposed to work knowing the Army I'm not fully confident I wouldn't end up doing the paperwork twice as I'm pretty sure they will want my new commander's signature on the paperwork. I know as a 1SG I keep a file of all on post firearms regs my current commander has signed.

[goathead]

I love it there I retired from there had a great time I was there 98-02 and again 10-11

[Blackhorse2010]

Are you going to 11 ACR or Ops Group?
I was there from 2005-2009.

[Blackhorse2010]

I can sympathize. I did "back-to-back" tours in Alaska. The first was patrolling the Aleutian Islands and Bering Sea. I was actually "arm twisted" by my detailer into taking the second. The key point is that I came to enjoy the place very much and had two very good tours there.

The other good point is that that you're next tour will probably be much better, wherever it is.

Later in my career, I had postings to Marina Del Rey and Newport Beach. The service will eventually pay you back for all that you do (and that works both ways).

There's a lot to do outside of "Patton's Paradise." I hope that you'll have time to see some of our state. It does have a lot to offer, you just have to adapt to some really nutso gun laws and learn not to take some our our fellow residents too seriously.

The only problem is that Barstow is the nearest city, and it's 32 miles away.
Victorville isn't much better.
If you "go down the hill", then things get a bit better.

[shooterfpga]

I suspect that you're right about the base commander. I have to think the Military AW program was set up to make it look like military folks were being provided for, but then set up so that it is practically impossible.

California defines two different types of AWs. If you have the "evil by name" AW, meaning its listed as an AW by name (refer to Penal Code section 30510), you cannot bring it into the state, even if you break it down to receiver only. If you have an "evil by feature" AW (refer to Penal Code section 30515), then you can bring it into the state if you remove the defining features. Folks generally do that either by removing the "fixed detachable magazine" through the use of a "bullet button", or by removing the offending features.

Hes saying to install the bullet buttom or other compliant part before entering

[RickD427]

Hes saying to install the bullet buttom or other compliant part before entering

Sir,

Thanks, that was a good follow-up. The "evil by feature" AW's are those that have a detachable magazine along with an evil feature. By installing the "Bullet Button", you create a fixed magazine, thereby placing the weapon outside the definition. Don't try it on an "evil by name" AW. Those remain illegal even with a "Bullet Button."

[tnlrat37]

I thought being stationed at 29 palms Marine Corps base was bad til I went to ft. Irwin, a road trip to get anywhere from there. We got in a few tussles with Army guys, bored Marines do stupid stuff. It was a blast playing ground combat element for OpFor against the Big Red One. Only time i ever had my fighting hole dug for me by a backhoe, gotta love the Army. Last i heard OpFor had never lost. Great training though, Good Luck, sorry our state gun laws are asinine.

[Blackhorse2010]

I thought being stationed at 29 palms Marine Corps base was bad til I went to ft. Irwin, a road trip to get anywhere from there. We got in a few tussles with Army guys, bored Marines do stupid stuff. It was a blast playing ground combat element for OpFor against the Big Red One. Only time i ever had my fighting hole dug for me by a backhoe, gotta love the Army. Last i heard OpFor had never lost. Great training though, Good Luck, sorry our state gun laws are asinine.

Back in the "old days, the OPFOR occasionally lost a battle here and there. When they did, there was hell to pay for that chain-of-command. A few careers were derailed because of "losses".
When the Army went to counter-insurgency (COIN), the fight was tilted in the BLUEFOR's favor, just by sheer numbers versus the OPFOR. The OPFOR was operating in cells, just like in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Now, they're training for high-intensity conflicts (HICON) and COIN with a hybrid threat, combining both.

[diverwcw]

All hope abandon ye who enter here (i.e., California).

However, you have a couple of very nice places not a far drive from Barstow:

1. Laughlin, Nevada - Nevada style gambling but without all the drama and glitz of Vegas. I make at least one trip a year there and launch my boat in Lake Mohave. Lake Mohave is heaven on earth. Google Katherine Landing, Laughlin, Nevada. There are several sites.

2. Front Sight Firearms Training Institute is in Pahrump, Nevada and that will be about 150 miles from where you will be. It is the best firearms training I have ever been to and they are very military friendly. If you need membership info or course certificates, there are plenty on this forum (you can PM me for further information).

[coryhenry]

I did four years in the opfor. Just drive to Vegas for dinner, it will save your sanity!

[Blackhorse2010]

I did four years in the opfor. Just drive to Vegas for dinner, it will save your sanity!

Or to Peggy Sue's for breakfast.

[maxbeilfuss]

Sorry to hear about it but im currently stationed at Irwin and they have a on post range that you can join for 50 a year. Distance out to 1000. I was in the same boat as you and took the chance. Went to the mp's and was informed they didnt require a bullet button as long as it was a legal firearm you are good to go on post given you register with the provost marshall. Now drive off post is your own risk. Awesome place to shoot on BLM land 15min drive from main gate. Any questions you have PM and i will answer as best as I can.

[LCU1670]

I was stationed at 29 palms and 12 years later Ft Irwin, my wife and I liked both! Retired from Irwin to the Palm Springs area.

When at Irwin and 29'er, when we had time, we visited socal attractions, Vegas, Laughlin, Lake Havasue, death valley, Pheonix,Tuscon, and Front Sight.

If you haven't already, check out the: Armed Forces Vacation Club, its where military people can use unsued timeshares for a small fee (no sales), I found out about it from a retiree in Italy. Palm Springs, Pheonix, Tuscon, Lake Havasue have A LOT of cheap unused timeshares.

Welcome!!

[63 tango]

I was in the OPFOR from 89-91. I did like that it wasn't boring. I love that desert at night.

[2glock3]

I spent 2.5 years there. I got out in '91. One thing I will say is you are around 2 hours from Vegas or the beach.